Saint Roch Church, Montpellier

The Saint Roch Church, also known as the Saint Roch Sanctuary, is a prominent neo-Gothic style church situated in the heart of Montpellier. It was built in the 19th century and dedicated to Saint Roch, the city’s most venerated saint, who is recognized as the patron of plague victims and pilgrims. According to legend, Saint Roch was born in Montpellier, making the church a key landmark in his hometown.

The design of the church was inspired by a variety of architectural styles and structures, including the Abbey of Valmagne in Hérault, the Church of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux in Châlons-en-Champagne, and the Church of Notre-Dame de Belleville. The building features a rib-vaulted nave and two side aisles, with its proportions and height reminiscent of the Abbey of Valmagne. However, the construction of the church remained incomplete. Though the nave, aisles, and choir were built, the intended spires, statues, and bas-reliefs that were to adorn the façade were never realized, leaving the exterior relatively unembellished.

The current Saint Roch Church stands on the site of the former Saint-Paul Church, which was destroyed in 1622 during the siege of Montpellier. The project to build the new church began in 1860, led by architect J. Cassan and funded by local contributions. Despite its unfinished state, the church remains a significant religious site and is classified as a diocesan shrine by the Diocese of Montpellier.

The church is notable for its large marble statue of Saint Roch, as well as for two beautifully crafted stained glass windows representing Saint Paul and Saint Roch, which were installed during its renovation. Every year, the church hosts a pilgrimage on August 16th to commemorate the death of Saint Roch, during the Fête de la Saint Roch. This festival includes religious ceremonies, parades, animal blessings, and music, reflecting the enduring legacy of the saint in his native city.